New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) Former Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami has celebrated the team's inaugural ODI World Cup victory as a historic milestone for women's cricket in India, stating that any commendation for the scale of their accomplishment feels inadequate.

After finishing as runners-up in both the 2005 and 2017 editions of this prestigious tournament, India finally clinched the title by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a rain-affected final held at the bustling DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The triumph was driven by Shafali Verma, who scored 87 runs and took two wickets, alongside Deepti Sharma, who contributed a quickfire 58 runs and achieved a memorable five-wicket haul. "This is a profoundly emotional moment for the entire women's cricket community. We've waited since 1973, reaching the finals twice but never winning. This time, our girls completed the journey and brought the trophy home.

“I recall starting my career in 1997, watching Belinda Clark's victory lap as a ball girl, which inspired my dream to win this trophy for India. These outstanding players have fulfilled that dream. Their determination throughout this tournament was extraordinary, and any accolades feel inadequate for their monumental achievement. My heartfelt congratulations to them all," stated Jhulan on JioStar.

She also expressed that this victory could mark a turning point for women's cricket in cricket-crazy India. "This Women's ODI World Cup victory will motivate countless young aspiring athletes across our nation. When children witness such historic achievements, they start following their idols and dream of becoming professional cricketers.

“This success will greatly enhance the reach of women's cricket throughout our vast country, bringing joy and creating new career opportunities. For many who face challenges, this accomplishment will ignite dreams and demonstrate what's achievable through dedication and sports," she added.

Jhulan further acknowledged the team’s competitive spirit and the leadership of head coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur for this breakthrough victory, especially after facing three consecutive defeats that nearly derailed their campaign.

"This win symbolizes more than just a trophy - it exemplifies the competitive culture that Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has cultivated within this team. Their experiences in global leagues made them aware that defeating powerhouses like Australia and England required not just skills but also fitness and mental fortitude.

“This three to four-year evolution, guided by Coach Amol Muzumdar's vision, has forged a squad that remains confident and composed in high-pressure situations. The leadership trio of Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, and Amol has fundamentally transformed this team's DNA, fostering an inner resilience that ultimately enabled this historic achievement to be realized.

"The past three years have seen an impressive transformation in Harmanpreet Kaur, not only as a leader but also as an individual. Her emotional control and mindset have evolved significantly, making her a completely different person and player.

“This growth was evident throughout the final, where she remained calm and strategic while pursuing a challenging score. Even during crucial partnerships, she appeared composed and in command, effectively executing her strategies. This composed demeanor is what made her leadership exceptional."

Former captain Anjum Chopra expressed similar sentiments, referring to the win as the dawn of a promising future for the sport in the nation. "This World Cup victory is only the beginning. As a nation with over a billion people, we have merely scratched the surface of our potential. As Ian Bishop noted during commentary, this is just the beginning of our journey as world champions.

“From tomorrow's first light, we must strive to elevate ourselves further and chase world championships in other formats. The landscape has shifted – where we once aimed to defeat Australia and England, teams will now set their sights on us. We cannot retreat; we must progress, with this team leading the legacy forward through sustained dedication and celebration," concluded Anjum.